26 Fairmount Avenue

This autobiographical chapter book offers young readers an intimate glimpse into the author's own childhood during the 1930s, focusing on the year his family built their new home at the titular address. Through simple yet vivid storytelling, dePaola captures the universal childhood experiences of anticipation, family dynamics, and neighborhood adventures that will resonate with elementary readers. The narrative blends everyday moments with the excitement of watching a house take shape from the ground up, creating an accessible bridge between historical context and contemporary childhood.

What makes this memoir particularly compelling is how dePaola presents complex family relationships and historical events through a child's innocent perspective, making the 1930s setting feel immediate and relatable. Young readers transitioning to chapter books will appreciate the gentle pacing and authentic voice that treats childhood concerns with genuine respect. The combination of personal storytelling and historical snapshot creates a meaningful reading experience that helps children understand both family stories and broader historical contexts through one boy's memorable year.